It’s Week II for Ashanti’s ‘Chapter II’

Ashanti finally put a stop Wednesday to the pop album chart’s three-month revolving door by becoming the first recording artist since Linkin Park in early April to hold onto the No. 1 position for more than one week.

The young singer’s “Chapter II,” which entered the chart at No. 1 last week after selling 326,000 copies, remained on top this week even though the CD sold only 135,000 copies. It has a slim lead over Destiny’s Child leader Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love,” which sold 132,000 in its third week in the stores.

The last album on top two weeks in a row was Linkin Park’s “Meteora,” which was No. 1 for the charts announced April 2 and April 9. The CD, which is No. 12 this week, has sold more than 2.2 million copies.

Since Linkin Park was No. 1, Godsmack, Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, 50 Cent, the Isley Brothers, Marilyn Manson, Staind, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Luther Vandross, Monica and Beyonce have each held the No. 1 position for one week.

The highest chart entry this week was country singer Trace Adkins’ “Greatest Hits Collection, Vol. 1,” which finished at No. 9 by selling 56,000 copies. The only other new release in the Top 50 was Thalia’s self-titled collection. It ranks No. 11.